Usambara Mountains / Pangani (Swahili Coast) / Manyara / Ngorongoro / Serengeti – 13 days

This safari begins and ends in Arusha.
4x4 Land Cruiser and Land Rover are used for this safari. Day 1: Arusha - Pangani
Arrive in time for afternoon tea/coffee by the pool overlooking Pangani Bay. Swim in the warm waters of the Indian ocean or enjoy a tropical drink or the pool side. Overnight at the Argovia Tented Camp.

Day 2: Pangani
A day trip to the Amboni caves with a picnic lunch. Amboni caves are located at Kiomoni village about 8 km to the north of Tanga. The caves have been developed in the Tanga limetone series, which is of Jurassic age and is etimated to extend over an area of 234 km. The chamber used, as worshiping places are 8-10 m high. On the way back to Pangani you may have a sundowner at the Tongoni Ruins – the tombs are built of coral stone between the 14-15 Century at Argovia Tented Camp.

Day 3: Pangani
After breakfast leave the Argovia lodge for a two hour walking tour through Pangani town including historical buildings like a slave labour camp and slave market, visit a German graveyard – in 1810, the Arabs constructed the central boma building. The German administration used the houses as a colonial district office and added European style roof. Take a light lunch and then back to Argovia lodge and in the afternoon a sunset cruise including Sundowner on Pangani river as you pass the coconut plantations. Dinner and overnight Argovia Tented Camp.

Day 4: From Pangani to the Usambara Mountains
On arrival in Lushoto visit the Montessori Sisters and the charming leader, Sister Gaspara. The Montessori Training Centre was built with German grant money and the lodge/restaurant generates enough funds for running costs. Sister Gaspara's story compelling. She was a Montessori teacher in Dar and dreamed of coming home to the Usambara and establishing a center to teach future Montessori teachers. Visit her dream and share her joy and enthusiasm.

In the slanting rays of the late afternoon sunshine, proceed through the Usambara to Grant's. Check in, relax, take in a classic video like Casablanca or Citizen Kane or seat in the Sauna, or just kick back and relax. Go along the road to Kwefingo Village (good views from there); take the Grant's Loop (transits Kwefingo also), or the School Loop (more good views in the opposite direction). Each walk is only three Kilometers (approx). Overnight in Grants Lodge.

Day 5: Usambara Mountains
After breakfast, take the River Loop Walk which traverses the Magamba Forest Reserve. In the upper canopy you may see the beautiful black and white Colobus monkey. Return to Grant's for lunch. In the afternoon, head into the forest again and emerge at the cool pool formed by a sparkling waterfall that tumbles through a narrow chute of ancient Usambara granite over 600 million years old. You can swim in the pool! Overnight at Grants Lodge.

Day 6: Usambara Mountains: Mkuzi
After breakfast head down the road towards the Swiss Farm Cottage, and enjoy a pre-hike snack there. The Farm was developed by George Mauchle, a swiss farmer who died in 2000. The cottage is run by his widow, Carolina. From the Cottage begin a steady ascent up Mkuzi Mountain. Traverse mountainside village, see Usambara agriculture first hand, and expect gigling children to say (good morning teacher) from the summit enjoy an expansive view of the mountains. Walk back along a ridge, which gradually descends, winds around the mountain, and takes you back to Grant's. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the summit!

Afternoon: Bird Walk
Figuratively return five million B.C. on the primordial Bird Walk. This enchanting walk takes you through the forest and eventually to wetlands where you can relax and watch birds along the grassy meadows of a small stream. Feel transported back in time and be preared for a pterodactyl to streak overhead.

Day 7: Usambara Mountains: Mazumbai
Proceed to the spectacular Mazumbai Forest Reserve. The drive will wind through a totally different part of the Usambaras. Along the way, stop off at the German run Benedictine Mission – Sarakani which was originally developed as rest station for fathers working under more difficult conditions in southern Tanzania. The fathers sell wine, macadamia nuts/oil, and other seasonal produce. From Sakarani proceed to idyllic Bumbuli village, through tea and eucalyptus country, and on the Mazumbai.

If this is Thursday or Sunday, the colorful and vibrant Lushoto market is a must stop. The market is jam-packed with fruits and vegetables. Much of Dar's produce is grown in the Usambaras. There is a list of 160 fruits, vegetables, and herbs, the Usambaras can supply to hungry customers in Dar and other cities. The mountains are famous for juicy plums, crunchy pears, purple avocados, snappy orange carrots, lettuce, cabbage, bright red tomatoes, peas, beans and so forth. Dinner and overnight at Grants Lodge.

Day 8: Usambara to Arusha
After breakfast drive to Arusha National Park – lunch and overnight at Momella Lodge in the Park.

Day 9: Arusha National Park to Lake Manyara
After breakfast drive to Lake Manyara with an afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. This beautiful park is at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprises of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. The large variety of mammals, reptiles and birds in the Park and the different types of vegetation, all within a small area make Lake Manyara a diverse and particularly memorable place to visit. Enjoy lunch, dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Tented Lodge.

Day 10: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast descend into the crater for full day game viewing. Picnic lunch with dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Ngorongoro crater which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater is 610 meters deep and 260 km squared and is a microcosm of scenery and game. Magnificent scenery and stunning views are the features of this great wonder of the natural world.

Day 11: Ngorongoro to Serengeti
After breakfast drive to Serengeti in time for lunch. After lunch game viewing in the Seronera Valley. Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world with columns of wildebeest, head to tail, trudging along their traditional migration routesDinner and Overnight at Serengeti Sopa.

Day 12
After breakfast drive to Arusha with a spot over at Mto wa Mbu Village market Overnight in Arusha at The Impala Hotel.

Day 13
After breakfast transfer to Nairobi International or Kilimanjaro International Airport for ypur out bound flight.